Murder unsolved six months later

Nearly six months ago, Y-12 plant retiree Russell Charles Blevins was murdered inside his home on Hart Orchard Road in Roane County. And, sadly, investigators are no closer to solving the case.

by Beverly Majors/Staff

Nearly six months ago, Y-12 plant retiree Russell Charles Blevins was murdered inside his home on Hart Orchard Road in Roane County. And, sadly, investigators are no closer to solving the case.

The 85-year-old former Oak Ridge resident was found shot to death on Aug. 12, 2012, in his house after a family member went there to check on him. Records indicate he was shot multiple times.

Hart Orchard Road is located near the Tennessee River off of Paint Rock Ferry Road on the side of Kingston toward Loudon County. Blevins lived alone in the home, which is more than a quarter of a mile from the road.

“We’re still investigating,” said Chief Deputy Tim Phillips. “There’s nothing new to release.”

He said Detective Greg Scalf and agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation are investigating the crime.

Roane County Sheriff Jack Stockton last August said investigators believe robbery was the motive for the slaying. He said detectives found no indication the door to the home was forced.

Later in August, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation requested the public’s assistance for information on the homicide. Blevins’ family has also offered a $3,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the murder.

Additionally, investigators are searching for weapons that were missing from the home after the murder was discovered. One of the weapons is a military-style, M-130 carbine rifle.

Anyone with information about the crime or the weapon should call the TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND (1-800-824-3463), or the Roane County Sheriff's Office at (865) 717-4700.